Types of dementia

There are over 100 different types of dementia, most of which are very rare. We hear more about Alzheimer's Disease because it is the most common form, but most physical brain disorders involving memory loss, confusion and loss of skills and ability come under the general umbrella term of dementia.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder named for German
physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906.
Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer's disease in
the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to
it.

Mixed Dementia

Mixed dementia is a condition in which Alzheimer's
disease and vascular dementia occur at the same time. Many experts
believe mixed dementia occurs more often than was previously
realised and that it becomes increasingly common in advanced
age.

Lewy Bodies dementia

Dementia with Lewy bodies is characterised by abnormal
deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein that form inside the
brain's nerve cells called 'Lewy bodies'. Lewy bodies have been
found in several brain disorders, including dementia with Lewy
bodies, Parkinson's disease and some cases of
Alzheimer's.

Frontotemporal dementia/Pick's Disease

Frontotemporal dementia and Pick's disease can effect
people in their 40s and 50s and it's onset is more rapid than
Alzheimer's. Early symptoms are more likely to be changes
in behaviour rather than memory loss.

Early onset dementia

Although dementia mostly affects people who are elderly,
dementia can occur in younger people and, very rarely, in children.
Because it is difficult to diagnose at an early age it is important
to seek medical help early.